Owners of temporary structures occupying road reserves in Kenyan cities may soon face a daily fee of at least Sh3,000 under new regulations proposed by the government.
These charges, outlined in the draft Kenya Roads (Roadside Stations) Regulations, 2023, are poised to place an extra financial burden on households and businesses situated along roadways.
The proposed fees will be levied in addition to existing charges imposed by county governments on traders and other enterprises operating within their jurisdictions.
If approved, temporary settlements lasting up to six months will incur a fee of Sh100 per square meter per day within city limits, with a minimum charge set at Sh3,000. Outside cities, the daily charge will be Sh50 per square meter, with a minimum fee of Sh1,000.
Additionally, in other proposals with the new regulations, citizens will be required to pay a one-time fee of Sh50,000 to divert stormwater into public road drainages.
Furthermore, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is proposing a one-time fee of Sh50,000 for individuals seeking approval to construct access roads to private properties. This fee is in addition to the Sh5,000 application fee.
Those intending to build access roads or lanes for petrol stations will face a higher one-off fee of Sh200,000.
These proposed regulations aim to regulate land use along road reserves and generate revenue for road maintenance and development. However, they are expected to draw criticism from affected parties who may view them as an additional financial burden.
